Applying for jobs

FIND AND SECURE YOUR PERFECT JOB

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Introduction 1. Before you apply 2. How to apply 3. What happens next?

Introduction to 'Applying for jobs'

It’s a common story – there’s a job you really want, but you’re just not sure where to start. Whether it’s your first application or you’re looking for a fresh start, the job hunt can be overwhelming.

What you need to do to apply can depend on many things. There may be an online form to complete, a cover letter to write or examples of your work to submit.

In this lesson, we’ll guide you through the general steps you’ll need to complete and how to make the most of them.

What you'll learn

  • What to do before you apply.
  • The information employers ask for.
  • How to complete a job application.
  • What happens after you apply.

How long it takes

15 minutes

Chapter 1 - Before you apply

Before you apply

Chapter 1

How long it takes

8 minutes

Do your research

Once you’ve seen a job advert, it can be tempting to dive straight into your application. These things can take a huge amount of time and effort, though. So, it’s worth doing some research first. You don't want to waste your time applying for a job that isn’t right. Maybe the commute is too long, or the hours don’t fit your lifestyle.

You may want to find out more about the employer. Practical things like where it is and how you’d get there. Know someone in the company? They can tell you what it’s like to work there. Check out the website, too. The ‘About us’ page may give you an idea of their culture and company values. 

Idea

Want to get an insider’s view on a company? Sites like Glassdoor, Indeed and LinkedIn all have reviews from past and current employees.

Contact the recruiter

Job adverts can vary in terms of how much information they give. When you read one, you may find you have a few questions before you start to apply.

If you can, get in touch with the recruiter. Let them know you’ve seen the advert and you’d like to know a little more. They may be able to give you useful insights like what tasks or skills are higher priority.

They may also tell you their timeline for reviewing applications, shortlisting candidates and holding interviews. Plus, this is a great time for you to ask questions about any part of the advert that isn’t clear.

Check your profile

While you’re doing your own research, be aware that the employer will want to do theirs too. Once they receive your application, they may want to find out more about you.

Where will they find this information? Recruiters often look online, so it’s a good idea to check what they’ll see there. What comes up when someone searches your name online? Any social media pictures you want to get rid of?

You may want to take some time to update your online profile too. Watch this video to find out how.

Build your CV

You may already have a CV, or you may need to create a new one. Either way, it’s important to tailor it for the job you want. A few small changes to your existing CV can make a huge difference. For example, using keywords from the job description can help your chances of getting an interview.

More on this topic

Our lesson Creating your CV is a practical guide to help you build or adapt your CV.

How your CV helps

Some job applications need you to attach your CV. Others don’t ask for a CV. Instead, there may be an online form for you to complete.

They’ll ask you the kind of questions that a CV usually has the answers to. For example, work experience dates and details, key skills and education. With your CV to hand, you’re likely to have all the information they need.  This can make it quicker and easier to fill in the form.

Be aware

Some jobs may ask for more information than what’s on your CV. For example, your driver’s licence details or National Insurance number. It’s a good idea to have these details to hand when you apply.

Introduction - Applying for jobs
Chapter 2 - How to apply

How to apply

Chapter 2

How long it takes

6 minutes

The application process

Once you’ve done your research, checked your online profile and built your CV, it’s time to apply. In this section, we’ll talk you through the steps to do this. Note that these steps can vary from job to job.

Most applications follow these steps:

Step 1

Give personal details

Step 2

Attach your CV

Step 3

Answer some questions

Step 4

Upload other documents

Step 5

Review your details

Step 6

Submit your application

Your personal details

The recruiter will need to know how to get in touch with you about your application. So, they’ll ask for your name and contact details. Some job sites or agencies will ask you to remove contact details from your CV before you submit it.

They may ask for other personal details too. For example, they may ask you to show proof of your right to work in the UK.

Be aware

You may see some extra questions about personal information at the end of the application. Equal opportunities questions are optional and include asking about your gender, age, ethnicity and disabilities. Employers ask these to check that they offer equal opportunities to everyone.

All the answers are confidential and won’t affect your application. You don’t need to answer these if you don’t want to.

Your CV

It’s common for employers to ask for your CV. You may need to email this to them or attach it to an online application. Before you do this, take a few minutes to check it’s the right version of your CV for this role.

Some employers don’t ask for a CV. Instead, you’ll complete an online form with this kind of information. This makes life easier for the employers as all they’ll get details from all candidates in the same format.

It can be trickier for you, though. Make sure you read the questions in each section here carefully, to check what they need. Is there a word count limit? You may not be able to just ‘copy and paste’ from your CV.

Questions and how to answer them

Recruiters may ask questions about your work style. They call these ‘competency questions’. These questions focus on skills that the job needs, like problem solving or working with others.

You may also see some more general questions, like ‘Why do you want this job?’ or ‘What are your long-term goals?’.

Top tips for answering these questions

 

  • Look for clues to help you work out how long your answer should be. It can be tempting to include many examples to showcase your skills. Employers may only need one or two examples, though. Always stick to the word limits, but do make sure you write enough to answer the question fully. 

  • Look at your work history and other achievements. Don’t worry if you don’t have much. You can always use hobbies, volunteer work or other responsibilities to prove a skill. 

     

    Here's an approach you can use:

    1. Outline the scenario.
    2. Describe what you did.
    3. Say what the outcome was.

  • For example, it’s not enough to say ‘I work well with others’. Recruiters will want to see evidence of this, so describe where you used this skill. If you mention a qualification, check you have the certificate. This is something you may need if you reach the interview stage.

  • Re-read the job description to make sure you’re focusing on what’s important for the role. This will help you write answers that show you have the relevant skills.

  • Writing strong and clear answers with suitable examples takes time. This part of the application often takes the longest. That’s why some people like to draft their answers before completing the application.

     

    Always remember to keep a copy of what you’ve written. This can:

    • Remind you of your responses when you prepare for your interview.
    • Save time when you apply for similar roles.

Other documents

Along with your CV, you may need to send in other documents. This depends on the role.

 

Documents or information you may need:

Certificates

A cover letter

References

Certificates

Employers may need proof of qualifications, for example, an HGV driving licence if the job needs you to drive HGVs.

You’ll also need to give proof of your right to work in the UK before you start the job. Some employers ask for this at the application stage.

Cover letters

Cover letters can accompany CVs or job applications. Not all recruiters ask for cover letters. Sometimes they’re optional. Our advice is to write one, if you get the chance. They can give you an extra opportunity to explain exactly why you’re the right person for the job.

 

A typical cover letter includes these three things:

An introduction

For example, “I am a skilled Customer Service Assistant with over three years’ experience.”

A summary of why you're a good fit for the role

For example, “I have a strong history of understanding customer needs and providing the right solutions. Recently, I created a customer solution that boosted our customer reviews by 16%.”

An ending, to thank them and look forward

For example, “I am keen to bring my skills and experience to your company and contribute to its continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.”

More on this topic

Job sites like Reed and Indeed have tips, templates and examples to help you write a cover letter.

References

Some applications also request references. A reference is a note from someone who knows you (a ‘referee’) and can confirm your work experience and skills. Often, this will be a workplace manager or someone else who knows you well.

Still at your current job? Check to see if it’s optional at this stage. Most employers are happy to wait until later in the recruitment process to ask for referees.

Idea

Need a reference but don’t have much work experience? Try a teacher, sports coach or a volunteer work colleague.

Make sure you ask their permission before you name them as a referee.

Reviewing and submitting your application

To give yourself the best possible chance, check your application – and check it again. Look at your spelling and make sure what you’ve written makes sense. Re-read each question and check you’ve answered it fully with suitable examples. Make sure you’ve attached the right documents.

Ask a friend or family member to read through your application, too. They may find or suggest things that you haven’t spotted.

When you’re happy with your application, submit it. You should then receive an email confirming that the company has received your application.

Test your knowledge

Try again - that's not quite right!

The employer needs evidence that you have this skill. Think of what’s relevant and keep it concise.

Try again

That's right!

Highlighting examples from work or outside interests will show employers that you have this skill.

Chapter 1 - Before you apply
Chapter 3 - What happens next?

What happens next?

Chapter 3

How long it takes

1 minute

After you apply

Once you’ve applied, the recruiters will look at your application to see if they want to take it further. Be patient at this stage. They may have many applications to review.

Some employers will get in touch whether you’re through to the next stage or not. You may not hear back from them though. This can be disappointing, but it’s worth contacting them to ask for feedback. Getting feedback can help improve your future applications.

If you get confirmation that you’re through to the next stage, congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. The next stage is usually an interview, so you can now start to prepare for that. Our Prepare for an interview lesson can help you approach this next step towards your new job.

Related learning links

Your future work skills

View lesson

Creating your CV

View lesson

Prepare for an interview

View lesson

Starting employment

View lesson

Exploring career options

View lesson
Chapter 2 - How to apply

Want to learn more?

There are many more lessons to help you prepare for the next step in your career.

Go to this topic Find and secure your perfect job

 

Lloyds Bank Academy is committed to providing information in a way that is accessible and useful for our users. This information, however, is not in any way intended to amount to authority or advice on which reliance should be placed. You should seek professional advice as appropriate and required. Any sites, products or services named in this module are just examples of what's available. Lloyds Bank does not endorse the services they provide. The information in this module was last updated on 18th March 2025.

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